Airport Parking in DCA: Complete 2026 Guide to Reagan National

Airport parking in DCA is available on-site and off-site at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with rates ranging from about $9/day at off-airport hotel lots to $35/day at on-site garages. Construction in 2026 has reduced Economy Lot capacity by roughly 40%, making advance reservations more important than ever. Three on-airport facilities serve both terminals, while the two off-site hotel lots Triply sells near DCA, Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria and Westin Crystal City, offer free shuttles at a fraction of the cost. Complete DCA Airport Parking Guide

• On-site rates (2026): Parking 1 is $35/day; Parking 2 is $35/day; Economy Lot is $25/day (daily maximums per DCA's official parking page)
• Off-site: Triply sells two lots near DCA, Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria at about $9/day and Westin Crystal City at about $11/day, roughly 69% to 74% cheaper per day than the $35 garages
• Economy Lot construction: Up to 1,100 of 2,680 spaces are unavailable; Phase 1 of the new parking deck added 939 spaces in February 2026
• Cell Phone Lot is temporarily closed. Use Parking 1 or Parking 2 (first 60 minutes free) for pickups instead
• Metro is a strong alternative: The Yellow Line runs directly to DCA's station in about 10 minutes from Crystal City
• Book in advance: Economy Lot fills quickly during construction; Triply's off-site lots come with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in

Compare the two DCA off-site lots on Triply from about $9/day, with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

How Much Does DCA Airport Parking Cost in 2026?

DCA parking costs between $25 and $35 per day on-site, and about $9 to $11/day at the two off-site hotel lots Triply sells. Rates vary by lot type and proximity to the terminal. Here's a full breakdown (on-airport rates checked on flyreagan.com in October 2026; off-site rates are for a 7-day stay booked ahead and change by date).

The first 60 minutes are free in both Parking 1 and Parking 2 garages. Use this for quick drop-offs and pickups — especially now that the Cell Phone Lot is closed. For a full breakdown of hourly and daily costs, see our guide to DCA airport hourly parking rates.

What Are the Best Off-Site Parking Options Near Reagan National Airport?

Triply sells two off-site lots near DCA: Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria (about $9/day, listed 2.6 miles away) and Westin Crystal City (about $11/day, listed 0.8 miles away). Both include a free shuttle to DCA with online purchase, and Triply bookings come with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

Here's what to know about the top options:

• Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria, about $9/day: The cheapest off-site lot Triply sells near DCA, listed 2.6 miles away (about a 10-minute drive). Parking is in a covered, underground garage: check in at the front desk for a reservation tag and park on Level P2. Complimentary shuttle, hourly from 7 AM to 10:30 PM, with no shuttle from 11 PM to 7 AM. No hotel room needed. EV charging on site (first 4 hours complimentary, then $2.50/hour).
• Westin Crystal City, about $11/day: The closer of the two, listed 0.8 miles away. Underground garage: park in any space not marked Reserved, then register your car at the front desk (name, plate and state) or the exit gate won't open. Free shuttle every 30 minutes from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with registered hotel guests boarding first and no shuttle from 10:30 PM to 4:30 AM. No room reservation needed, and no extra charge for full-size vans, pickups and large SUVs.

Neither off-site shuttle is 24/7. The Sheraton Suites shuttle does not run from 11 PM to 7 AM, and the Westin shuttle does not run from 10:30 PM to 4:30 AM. If you have an early morning, red-eye or late-night flight, check the hours before booking and plan your own ride if needed. DCA's own Metro station (Yellow and Blue Lines) is another reliable option.

Triply sells parking only at these two hotels. No room reservation is needed to park at either one, and there are no hotel packages involved.

On-Site vs Off-Site DCA Parking: Which Should You Choose?

On-site parking at DCA is the most convenient option — but off-site lots save you serious money. Here's a direct comparison to help you decide.

On-Site DCA Parking

• Parking 1 serves Terminal 1 (Gates A1–A9) — airlines include Southwest, Frontier, and Air Canada Express
• Parking 2 serves Terminal 2 (Concourses B through E) — Alaska, Delta, United, American, and JetBlue
• Economy Lot is the most affordable on-site option at $25/day, but capacity is currently reduced
• All on-site garages are covered and connected to terminals — no shuttle needed for Parking 1 and 2
• First 60 minutes free in Parking 1 and Parking 2 — ideal for quick pickups
• Total capacity across all on-site facilities: 8,500 vehicles (per MWAA)

Off-Site Hotel Parking

• Rates start at about $9/day, roughly 74% cheaper per day than the $35 Parking 1 and Parking 2 garages and about 64% cheaper than the $25 Economy Lot
• Both lots Triply sells include a free shuttle to DCA with online purchase
• Westin Crystal City is listed 0.8 miles out; Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria is listed 2.6 miles out (about a 10-minute drive)
• Both park in covered, underground garages
• Free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in
• Shuttle hours matter: neither runs 24/7. Sheraton Suites runs hourly from 7 AM to 10:30 PM; Westin runs every 30 minutes from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Bottom line: If convenience is your top priority and you're flying from Terminal 1 or 2, on-site parking makes sense. If you want to save on a week-long trip, an off-site lot with a free shuttle is hard to beat: about $62 (Sheraton Suites) or $76 (Westin) for 7 days at the daily rate, versus $175 at the Economy Lot and $245 at Parking 1 or 2. For tips on finding the lowest possible rate, see our guide to cheap DCA airport parking near Reagan National.

How Does the DCA Economy Lot Construction Affect Your Parking Plans?

The DCA Economy Lot is partially open but operating at reduced capacity in 2026. A new $40 million, 3-story parking deck is under construction on top of the existing lot, with work expected to continue into mid-2026.

Here's the current construction timeline (per DCA's Economy Lot construction page):

• Phase 1: 939 new spaces opened in February 2026
• Phase 2: 1,230 additional spaces expected by May 2026
• Current impact: Up to 1,100 of 2,680 total spaces may be unavailable during peak construction — roughly a 40% reduction
• Contractor: Kiwi Newton

The practical effect: the Economy Lot fills faster and more often than it did before construction. Walk-up parking is riskier. Reserve your spot in advance at reserve.flyreagan.com to guarantee a space. If you arrive without a reservation and the lot is full, off-site hotel lots are your next best option.

The Cell Phone Lot is also temporarily closed during construction. Use the first 60-minute free window in Parking 1 or Parking 2 for pickups instead.

Does Reagan National Airport Offer Free Shuttle Service to Terminals?

Yes. The Economy Lot has its own free shuttle to all terminals. The two off-site lots Triply sells near DCA also provide a free shuttle with online purchase, though hours differ by lot.

Here's a shuttle schedule summary for the two off-site lots Triply sells:

• Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria: Complimentary shuttle, hourly on the hour from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM (last shuttle 10:30 PM); no shuttle from 11 PM to 7 AM. To get back, call 703-836-4700 once you have your bags; pickups are on demand during shuttle hours, so tell the desk your airline because pickup zones vary.
• Westin Crystal City: Free shuttle every 30 minutes from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM; no shuttle from 10:30 PM to 4:30 AM. Registered hotel guests board first. Return pickups: Terminal 1 at Curbside 2; Terminal 2 at Curbside 1, Door 4 or Door 7.

Key warning: Neither shuttle runs 24/7. If your flight departs before 7 AM (Sheraton Suites) or 4:30 AM (Westin), or you land after 10:30 PM, you will need your own ride. DCA's own Metro station, served by the Yellow and Blue Lines, is another option.

How to Book DCA Airport Parking in Advance (Step-by-Step)

Booking in advance holds your spot, which matters right now with the Economy Lot running at reduced capacity. Here's how to do it.

Booking On-Site DCA Parking

1. Go to reserve.flyreagan.com
2. Select your lot (Parking 1, Parking 2, or Economy Lot)
3. Enter your arrival and departure dates
4. Complete payment — credit and debit cards accepted
5. Print or save your confirmation; use it at the gate on arrival

Booking Off-Site Parking Through Triply

1. Visit Triply's DCA parking search
2. Enter your travel dates to see live rates for Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria and Westin Crystal City
3. Select your lot and complete checkout; bookings come with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in
4. On arrival, follow your lot's steps: at Sheraton Suites, get a tag at the front desk and park on Level P2; at the Westin, park in any space not marked Reserved and register your car at the front desk

Triply shows both off-site lots side by side for your dates. For more ways to save, see our guide to Reagan Airport parking coupons.

Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Parking at DCA? (Metro and Ride-Share Guide)

Yes. The Metro is one of the best alternatives to parking at DCA — and it's often cheaper than even the lowest off-site parking rates for short trips. Rideshare is another option worth running the numbers on.

Taking the Metro to DCA

Reagan National has its own Metro station directly served by the Yellow and Blue Lines. The Yellow Line takes about 10 minutes from Crystal City and connects to downtown DC. Fares are distance-based — check current rates at WMATA's fares page. Park at a Metro station near your home, ride to DCA, and skip the airport parking cost entirely.

• Yellow Line: Direct to DCA, about 4 stops to L'Enfant Plaza
• Blue Line: Also direct, about 12 stops to L'Enfant Plaza
• DCA Metro station: Connected to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 via covered walkway

Rideshare vs Parking Cost Comparison

For a one-night trip, an Uber or Lyft from DC or Arlington typically runs $20–$35 each way. A round trip could hit $70, which is more than parking at the Economy Lot for one night. For trips of 3 days or more, parking usually costs less than rideshare. For day trips or overnight stays, rideshare often wins. Always check traffic before driving — the George Washington Memorial Parkway and I-395 approach to DCA can get congested. Check real-time traffic on Waze before you leave.

DCA Parking FAQs: Accessibility, Hours, and What to Know Before You Go

Here are the most common questions travelers ask about airport parking in DCA, answered directly.

Is accessible parking available at DCA?

Yes. Accessible parking spaces are available in Parking 1, Parking 2, and the Economy Lot. Look for marked ADA spaces near elevator access points. The Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria also lists wheelchair accessibility as an amenity for off-site parkers.

Are DCA parking garages open 24/7?

Yes. On-site garages operate around the clock. Off-site hotel shuttle hours are more limited — confirm times with your specific lot before booking, especially for early morning or late-night flights.

How early should I book DCA parking?

Book at least 2–3 days in advance during normal travel periods. During holidays and summer travel season, book 1–2 weeks ahead. With the Economy Lot running at reduced capacity in 2026, earlier is better. Triply bookings come with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in, so you can book early and cancel later if needed.

What airlines fly from which terminals at DCA?

Terminal 1 (Gates A1–A9) serves Southwest, Frontier, and Air Canada Express — use Parking 1. Terminal 2 (Concourses B through E) serves Alaska, Delta, United, American, JetBlue, and American Eagle — use Parking 2 or the Economy Lot. For American Airlines travelers specifically, see our guide to Reagan Airport parking for American Airlines flights.

Planning a long trip and leaving your car for a week or more? See our guide to Reagan Airport long-term parking rates and tips for the best strategies. And if you want to save on TSA PreCheck wait times alongside your parking costs, building extra lead time into your airport arrival is always worth it.

Back to Complete DCA Airport Parking Guide

Ready to park smarter at Reagan National? Compare the two DCA off-site lots on Triply from about $9/day, with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

Compare DCA parking rates. The off-site lots Triply sells near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport cost about 69% to 74% less per day than the $35/day terminal garages.